2014 Virginia Code
Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)
§ 63.2-1802. Safe, secure environments for residents with serious cognitive impairments

Assisted living facilities may provide safe, secure environments for residents with serious cognitive impairments due to a primary psychiatric diagnosis of dementia if they comply with the Board's regulations governing such placement. The Board's regulations shall define (i) serious cognitive impairment, which shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment by a clinical psychologist licensed to practice in the Commonwealth or by a physician and (ii) safe, secure environment. Prior to placing a resident with a serious cognitive impairment due to a primary psychiatric diagnosis of dementia in a safe, secure environment, an assisted living facility shall obtain the written approval of one of the following persons, in the specified order of priority: (a) the resident, if capable of making an informed decision; (b) a guardian or legal representative for the resident; however, such an appointment shall not be required in order that written approval may be obtained; (c) a relative authorized pursuant to the Board's regulations to act as the resident's representative; or (d) an independent physician who is skilled and knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia, if a guardian, legal representative or relative is unavailable. Such written approval shall be retained in the resident's file.

Code 1950, § 63-223; 1954, c. 259; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-174; 1973, c. 227; 1991, c. 532; 1993, cc. 957, 993; 1995, c. 649; 1997, c. 397; 2000, cc. 804, 808, 845; 2001, c. 161; 2002, cc. 332, 747; 2003, c. 467.